After a game and some time to reflect, it’s time to give the Ottawa Senators 2025 NHL Trade Deadline analysis. The Senators had a tremendous come-from-behind victory yesterday afternoon. After a slow start to the game, the Sens would comeback from a 3-1 lead after the halfway mark of the third period. One of their new additions, Dylan Cozens, got his first point in Sens colours and he collected a career high of nine hits. So, early returns are positive. Next, the other major add, Fabian Zetterlund, looks to be ready for their next game versus Detroit on Monday. Therefore, let’s analyze where the Sens stand and whether or not they are better off than they were Thursday (before the trades).
Analyzing the Senators Acquiring Cozens and Zetterlund at the Trade Deadline
Let’s first touch on who general manager Steve Staios parted ways with on the deadline. It was an emotional day, as the friendships and bonds that existed on this group were tight. That’s (at least) partly to explain why it took so long for the organization to move one of the original, young core members. That being Norris yesterday. He had great bonds with Drake Batherson and Brady Tkachuk in particular, among most of the Sens team.
During his tenure in Ottawa, at times Joshua Norris and whichever his line combination was, could dominate stretches. For example, back to 2021-22, the like of Norris, Tkachuk, and Batherson played together often. That was the year Norris netted 35. Moreover, Bathman had a 0.96 points-per-game and Tkachuk had 30 goals and 37 assists. They were a force. It wasn’t always that smooth for Norris, who collectively missed a lot of time with injuries to his shoulders.
Norris, himself as a player, combines great speed with tenacity on the puck. However, it may be partly a factor in his injuries of always being on the puck and simply be susceptible for a higher-rate of impact events. Furthermore, that’s why the periodical discussion of shifting him to the wing makes sense.
Who Else the Senators Gave Up
The other piece the Sens gave up with deep ties to this club was Jacob Bernard-Docker. In some ways, Bernard-Docker, like Norris, never really fulfilled their expectations in the black, red, white, and gold of the Senators kit. JBD also had close ties with this group. That was because he was a part of the University of North Dakota track for the show.
JBD has played well as a depth guy, but his game relies on rhythm at some level. He’s a decent skater with a strong breakout pass and succeeds when he is making plays, ultimately. He played 25 games with Ottawa this year, recording four points and playing 13:06 a game. In addition, right now he is only coming back from an ankle injury. It remains to be seen how his value works into who ultimately won these trades. His performance has been undervalued, combined with a lack of opportunity.
Zack Ostapchuk and Noah Gregor were also moved on by the Sens. Ostapchuk will be an excellent bottom-six, physical presence through his NHL playing career. However, trading away the talented rookie was another difficult decision for Staios and staff. In contrast, where Gregor hadn’t been with the team very long, he was easier to move on from. Noah Gregor is a fine fringe AHL/NHL guy, who gives you responsible minutes and was playing well with Ottawa this year. In 281 career games, oh yeah, he has 69 points.
Zetterlund and Cozens and the Other Senators Trade Deadline Acquisition
As for the adds the Sens made, Zetterlund and Cozens do check the boxes. Even adding a tough, physical depth defender is not to go unnoticed (Dennis Gilbert). For starters in comparing the players to their predecessors, Norris’ and Cozen contracts both expire in 2030. Norris is priced at a $7.95M average annual value. Cozens comes in a little cheaper at $7.1M, thus Staios ended up cutting cost. Even if it was just a little, it allows for more roster flexibility as they’re up against the cap this season. Today’s game was another example of going with 11-7.
Looking at the other player, Zetterlund’s contract ends this summer, making him a restricted free agent. He is currently earning $1.45M, so it won’t be a big hit to Ottawa right now. As we alluded to, Ottawa is lucky somewhat they are under the cap.
Analytically Reviewing the Trade
Looking at Zetterlund statistically, Zetterlund’s line has been extremely efficient this year in San Jose. He’s really seeming to come into his own and seems to be a threat offensively. In 227 career NHL games, he is a respectable 10% shooter. However, he has been trending upward with a higher frequency of total shots on goal. Last year, he had 204 shots in nearly 19 minutes of ice time. His ice time dipped a bit this year. That likely due to the emergence of Macklin Celebrini, but his production was slightly above last year’s pace at the time of the trade.
If we analyze the numbers comparison of Cozens and Norris the points/60 minutes even strength stat works. Even though, fundamentally, Norris is clearly on par with Cozens in the stat, the true tell of their value is in games played. You need to be on the ice to be producing and that was knock against Norris in the Sens uniform.
| Cozens | Norris | |||
| GP | Pts/60 | GP | Pts/60 | |
| 22-23 | 81 | 2.8 | 8 | 1.3 |
| 23-24 | 79 | 1.9 | 50 | 2.0 |
| 24-25 | 61 | 1.9 | 53 | 2.0 |
At the end of the day, Norris had been the target of trade rumours for a long time and it is some weight off his shoulders. He can leave Ottawa, and hopefully his injury troubles, behind him and look to continue to carve his path as a great NHL player. So, with the Sens getting the better (in terms of value to the team) of the two between Cozens and Norris, and then Zetterlund is the next, best player involved in the transactions, the Sens definitely came out on top on trade deadline day in 2025. After a big 4-3 overtime winner from Tkachuk yesterday, the Sens moved out of the tie with the Rangers in points and now the stretch drive can really begin.
Main Photo Credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images
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